Religions: vote to stop hatred

RELIGIOUS leaders united today to call on their followers to stop extremists getting a political foothold in Reading.

Representatives from the town's Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh communities have joined forces to get voters to the polling stations next week.

In an unprecedented step, religious leaders will call on their congregations to "reject extremism" in a rallying call for "respect and harmony".

And Reading Commission for Racial Equality (RCRE) is planning a week of action ahead of the Euro elections on Thursday, June 10.

It reckons low voter turnout and the system of proportional representation could let a candidate with extremist views sneak to polling day success.

Continued from front page RCRE's Rajinder Sohpal, who is co-ordinating the campaign, wants

religious leaders to encourage their congregations to go out and vote.

He said: "As they always do, racists have exploited some of the tragic time the world is going through in an attempt to gain power.

"Here is a very clear statement that all communities want to stand together against all forms of hatred.

"With as little as eight per cent of the vote, an extremist could be elected as an MEP to the European Parliament."

Voters in Reading will go to the polls to elect Euro MPs to Brussels and will be given 14 parties to choose from.

There is a greater choice because places in the parliament are chosen on a proportional basis, so the tally of votes matters more and minority parties have a better chance of getting a platform.

The new Bishop of Reading, Stephen Cottrell, called on Christians to take their "democratic responsibilities" seriously. He said: "There are some political views which deliberately seek to divide and separate people and communities.

"The Christian faith, in common with the great faith traditions of the world, seeks to celebrate our common humanity and promote the good of all."

Ajit Singh, representing the town's Sikh community, added: "Sadly, some extremists have used religion, nationality and racism to promote their evil ways to others.

"Democracy is the best example we have had so far to resolve conflicts and tensions in modern day society."

While Dr Ashok Sadashiv Khare, from Reading Hindu Centre, said every effort should be made to stop a "racist political party" being elected.

He said: "In this challenging time, our world really needs a message of love, peace, unity and togetherness - not hatred, instability, division and separation."